There is no time limit on this test, though I have tried to design one
that you should be able to complete within 2.5 hours, except for typing.
You are not allowed to use your notes, or any books, nor are you allowed
to discuss the test with anyone until Monday Feb. 2, 1998. EXAMS ARE
DUE AT 8:30 ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2. You may use a calculator and/or ruler.
The answers to the questions must be typedon a separate sheet
of paper unless the question specifically says to write the answer in
the space provided. If you do not write your answers on the appropriate
pages, I may not find them unless you have indicated where the answers are.

Please do not write or type your name on any page other than this
cover page. Staple all your pages (INCLUDING THE TEST PAGES) together
when finished with the exam.

Name (please print here):

Write out the full pledge and sign:

How long did this exam take you to complete (excluding typing)?

6 pts.

1.Draw a nucleotide that makes DNA sequencing possible (not an
ordinary nucleotide). To receive full credit, you must draw all of the atoms
except for the base which you may label with a single letter. Also, label
the 5' and 3' ends properly.

6 pts.

2. Draw the structure of a single amino acid. You do not need to include
the side chain in your drawing but you do need to include all the other
atoms. Also, indicated where the next amino acid would be added onto the
one you have drawn.

b. Is there any sequence shown that is from the plasmid? Explain your
answer.

8 pts.

8. Below is a diagram that summarizes some data from a northern blot
experiment. Your Favorite mRNA (YFmRNA) from the thymus has been probed
at the same time as actin, which is expressed at constant levels at all
times and in all cells. Interpret the data as fully as you can. The time
indicates how long the cells had been incubated in a drug which alters calcium
levels inside cells.

14 pts.

9. Provide the full names for these single letter codes for amino acids:

Y E L L W S M A R I N E Q T

8 pts.

10. Recently it has been learned what the molecular cause is for long
term potentiation (LTP), which is the mechanism for memory (true story).
It turns out that an ion channel called (NMDA) in the hippocampus is the
primary cause for our ability to learn (for this question, let's assume
there is only one kind of NMDA in the hippocampus). Explain to me how you
would go about cloning the gene that encodes for this particular NMDA -
you only need to list the major steps you would do. To receive full credit,
you will need to demonstrate to me how you would know you had cloned the
right gene.

6 pts.

11. Aliens have in fact landed and are slowing killing all humans. The
only way you can tell them from us (i.e. humans) is that their red blood
cells glow green when exposed to UV light. Design a vector with an insert
that would allow you to have every red blood cell in your body express the
reporter gene GFP but no other cell would do this. (Let's assume that once
you build this construct, getting it into all of your cells will be taken
care of by someone else.) In your design, I want you to draw out every part
of the DNA that would be important to the success of building and maintaining
this vector. The future of all human beings depend upon your abilities.
Good luck.